Dubuque County debates who writes new data center ordinance

News Clip1:32KWWL 7·Dubuque County, IA·7/27/2026

The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors held a work session to discuss drafting a data center ordinance during an existing 12-month moratorium. There was confusion over whether the Zoning Commission or board staff is primarily responsible for writing the full ordinance. The board plans to continue its bi-weekly meetings on the topic.

zoninggovernmentmoratorium
Gov: Dubuque County Board of Supervisors, Zoning Commission, Airport Commission

The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors convened a work session to strategize the creation of a new data center ordinance. These meetings are held every other week as the county operates under a 12-month moratorium on new data center developments.

During the hour-and-a-half session, supervisors discussed various aspects of drafting the ordinance, including potential collaboration with the Airport Commission. However, a significant point of contention arose regarding the responsibility for writing the full ordinance. Supervisor Podhaski indicated his understanding was a collaborative effort between the Zoning Commission and staff, which would then be presented to the Board.

Despite previous discussions, Supervisor Podhaski noted a lack of clarity on this issue from a prior meeting. KWWL's Edie Acosta reported from Dubuque that the Board will continue to meet every other Monday to address data center related matters.